Frings' return to Toronto FC lineup just "days" away

TORONTO – The value of Torsten Frings to Toronto FC has only been emphasized by his absence with a strained hamstring.

But the former German international is “days away” from returning to the lineup, Toronto FC head coach and technical director Aron Winter told reporters on Tuesday at BMO Field.

“He’s very close to coming back,” Winter said. “He’s training, but not with the group.”

Winter didn’t specify a return date, but he didn’t completely rule out the possibility of the 35-year-old leader of the defense returning as soon as Saturday’s game against Chivas USA (4:30 pm ET; watch LIVE online).

Either way, Winter said, it would be a matter of “some days” and not weeks.

Frings injured the hamstring early in TFC’s first league game of the season, a 3-1 loss at Seattle on March 17. The Reds have gone winless in league play since then, and sorely lacked their captain’s calming presence in CONCACAF Champions League play.

“Torsten is very important for the team,” Winter said. “It’s not only about his qualities that he has technically, but also his leadership. And those things we missed.”

TFC’s defense also could be bolstered soon with the return of center back Adrian Cann from knee surgery.

According to Winter, Cann could appear Saturday vs. Chivas but wouldn’t say for sure whether the Canadian international would be in the 18-man roster.

After last Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Montreal, Winter said there could be some changes in the coming weeks.

“In some parts of the game we are not good enough and that also is the reality,” he said. “Now we have to try to change things.”

The return of Frings and Cann would be a couple of big steps in the right direction.